South African entertainment icon and businesswoman, Boity Thulo, has announced that her Boity Thulo Foundation will be concentrating its efforts on providing shelter and support for victims of gender-based violence in her hometown of Potchefstroom.

Launched in 2020, the Boity Thulo Foundation was established to provide financial assistance to women and children affected by the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Having assisted numerous individuals and causes to date, Thulo is now turning her attention to a more substantial, permanent cause in her town of origin in the Northwest Province.

Explains Thulo, “My intention behind the Foundation was always to assist women and children, my focus is simply going to be concentrated on those affected by abuse and violence. The North West province has the highest rate of sexual violence perpetrated against women and is second only to the Eastern Cape with regards to physical violence. There is a desperate need for these women to receive support and care and, as one of three generations of women raised in Potchefstroom, I do believe I have an obligation to focus my efforts there.”

The Foundation in partnership with Halo Heritage, the company with whom Boity has partnered on her fragrance and haircare line, has a number of exciting fundraising events planned for 2022. These will not only assist in raising funds towards their beneficiaries but will hopefully bring awareness to the plight of those affected by the scourge of gender-based violence in South Africa and to the amazing NGO’s and institutions that take up the cause.